Welsh Tories attack ‘rudderless’ business department

THE Welsh Conservatives launched an attack on Edwina Hart’s business and enterprise department yesterday, claiming it had “left Welsh business in limbo” and that major decisions had been “kicked into the long grass”.

THE Welsh Conservatives launched an attack on Edwina Hart’s business and enterprise department yesterday, claiming it had “left Welsh business in limbo” and that major decisions had been “kicked into the long grass”.

They also criticised the minister’s management style, claiming it had left her department “rudderless.”

And they added that the Welsh Government was “sending out mixed messages on enterprise zones, confusion reigns over grants or loans for business support, Techniums are under review, while major decisions on the future of business rates, broadband and the Welsh capital Infrastructure Fund are all pending.”

Nick Ramsay, Shadow Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology & Science, said: “The minister’s in-tray must be overflowing, given the number of decisions, statements and updates she’s kicked into the long grass.

“At a time of economic uncertainty, the last thing the business community needs is a sluggish Economy Department intent on treading water rather than providing swift and efficient responses to the needs of Welsh businesses.

“This is the same department, which we had been promised was producing a strategy for the manufacturing industry, but four years later it was announced that no such document existed.

The minister has yet to decide whether to follow the lead of the UK Government by introducing enterprise zones to stimulate the economy and whether to use its Barnett consequential to invest in broadband.

“The Welsh Labour Government’s lethargic approach is leaving Welsh businesses in limbo, creating an insecure climate where it is difficult for businesses to make reliable financial projections.”

In a statement the Welsh Government said: “The Welsh Government is committed to provide the support that business wants and needs to grow and prosper.

“Since her appointment in May, Mrs Hart has been undertaking an extensive programme of meetings and dialogue with business leaders, entrepreneurs and industry professionals from across Wales to fully understand their needs and views.

“This approach of direct engagement has already been widely welcomed and applauded by the Welsh business community and its leaders.

“Meetings will continue through the summer as the minister prepares to present her policy agenda when the National Assembly returns in September.”

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